Franklin Carpenter

Born in Germany and raised in New Bedford and Cape Cod, Frank was a lifelong fisherman and master craftsman. He was witty, funny, and thoughtful, with a natural ability to make those around him feel comfortable and laugh.

Frank had a deep love for the ocean. It was not only where he made his living, but where he most loved to be. He fished out of ports from Cape Cod to New Bedford and, for the last nine years, ran his own commercial fishing vessel out of Boston. Most recently, Frank participated in the Ghost Gear Project, helping to remove hundreds of pounds of abandoned fishing gear and marine debris from Boston Harbor. A talented craftsman, Frank could fix or build just about anything. His creative skills were matched only by his willingness to use them to help others.

Frank was a beloved presence in the communities he called home. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether someone needed something repaired, built, figured out, or simply needed a friend. He never hesitated when someone needed him, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Frank is survived by his mother, Deborah Tavano, of Hyannis; his sister, Gina Souza, and brother-in-law, Matthew Threlkeld, of Mashpee; his daughter, Sarah Carpenter (Matthew Rivera), of Mashpee and their four children, Matthew, Noah, Jemma, and Samuele; his son, Franklin Carpenter, of Yarmouth; his niece, Destiny Valencia, of Mashpee; and his long-term partner, Kathleen Whelan, and their dog, Donny, of Winthrop, MA. He is also survived by his brother, Wes Carpenter, of Georgia, and sister, Brandy Carpenter Clemens, of Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his father, Franklin Carpenter, and sister, Heather Carpenter, of Pennsylvania.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at a later date.